Unique Maui Hike

Travel for us is all about getting off the beaten path, literally. If you find yourself on Maui and looking for a hike, venture upcountry toward Polipoli State Park on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano.

There are many hikes to choose from, all offering similar scenery and differing levels of difficulty. The area was devastated by a major fire in 2007 and the trees and underbrush still show signs of the destruction. Along with the blackened trees, the fog and wild pigs make for a creepy landscape, something out of a Tim Burton movie. It only heightened the adventure and thrill of finding a new path.

For trail details visit the Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System.

Directions to these Maui hikes

From Kahului, take Highway 37 past Pukalani to the second junction of Highway 377. Turn left on 377 for about 0.3 mile, then right on Waipoli Road. The road travels through the first cattle guard and climbs up the mountain through a long series of switchbacks until it enters the Kula Forest Reserve at 6,400 elevation, where the pavement ends.

If creepy fire destroyed forests aren’t your thing, discover waterfalls and plunge pools on the Waihe’e Valley Trail, also on Maui.